Fluoroethylene Carbonate as an Important Component for the Formation of an Effective Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Anodes and Cathodes for Advanced Li-Ion Batteries

The performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) depends critically on the nature of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers formed on their electrodes surfaces, which are, in turn, defined by the composition of the electrolyte solution. Here, we present a short overview and key results of a systematic study of the application of one of the recently most widely investigated components of the electrolyte solutions for LIBs, namely, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). We discuss the benefits of FEC-based electrolyte solutions over the most commonly used ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolyte solutions for different LIB systems, including the high-capacity Si anode, high-voltage LiCoPO₄ and LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄, Li-sulfur, and other cathodes, as well as full Li-ion cells. Special emphasis is given to the composition and properties of the SEI that is formed on the surface of anodes and cathodes as a result of the electrochemical reduction/oxidation of FEC.